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B.A. in French Studies
Moraga, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in French Studies at Saint Mary's College is a comprehensive program that focuses on developing not just linguistic fluency but also a deep cultural understanding of France and the broader Francophone world. The program aims to create "bridge-builders, cross-cultural communicators, and citizens of the world." It emphasizes the pragmatism of French as a global language, highlighting its official status in 29 countries and its significance in diplomacy and international business. The program is designed to be flexible, easily combinable with other majors, and welcomes students with varying levels of prior French experience.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in French Studies is structured to build linguistic proficiency and cultural knowledge progressively. Foundational courses typically include "Elementary French" (FREN 101, 102) and "Intermediate French" (FREN 201). Upper-division requirements include "Introduction to French Studies" (FREN 300), "French Literary Perspectives" (FREN 301), and "Advanced Syntax & Composition" (FREN 302). Students also explore French and Francophone cultures through courses such as "Culture and Civilization: France," "French and the Francophone Cinema," and "Contemporary France." Elective options delve into specific literary periods (e.g., 17th-18th Century Literature, 19th-20th Century Literature), and the rich "French Literature Outside Europe." A "Capstone" (FREN 496) course is required, allowing students to synthesize their learning. The curriculum emphasizes honing basic vocabulary and progressing towards sophisticated communication, both verbal and written.
Research Focus: The B.A. in French Studies at Saint Mary's College fosters strong research and analytical skills through its engagement with literature, culture, and language. Students work closely with professors, "reading, contemplating and writing about the principal genres of literature and the related medium of film." This involves developing the ability to "analyze literary texts from a variety of media" and to "demonstrate knowledge of several French-speaking cultures across time and geography, and ability to articulate an understanding of global perspectives, practices and products of those cultures." The "Capstone" course (FREN 496) likely involves a significant research component, allowing students to conduct in-depth investigations into a chosen topic within French language, literature, or culture. The program prepares students to engage in informed, active reading and critical analysis of complex texts.
Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College emphasizes practical application and industry readiness for its French Studies graduates. The program highlights the numerous opportunities that bilingualism in French can open, particularly in "international business, education, public service, academia, and beyond." The college provides resources for "French Internships" both locally in the Bay Area (e.g., with French tech companies in Silicon Valley) and abroad (e.g., in France). Opportunities also exist with the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles and various non-profit organizations. While not mandatory for the major, the availability of an "Internship" course (FREN 495) strongly encourages students to gain hands-on professional experience, applying their language and cultural skills in real-world settings.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in French Studies at Saint Mary's College inherently offers a profound global perspective. The program's core focuses on the language and cultures of "France and the Francophone World," which includes countries in Africa, Asia, North America (like Quebec), and the Caribbean. Students are encouraged to become "bridge-builders, cross-cultural communicators, and citizens of the world." A key highlight is the strong encouragement for students to "spend a semester or a year in France" through study abroad programs. Saint Mary's has direct partnerships for immersive experiences, such as the Angers Programs in France, which offer language and content courses that can be credited toward their degree. This direct exposure to Francophone cultures significantly enhances their global understanding and cross-cultural competence.
Location
Moraga, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 59251
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, and personal accomplishments.
International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships from global organizations, private foundations, and government-sponsored programs. The college provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for third-party funding opportunities that can supplement institutional aid.
Graduates of Saint Mary's College of California's B.A. in French Studies possess a distinct competitive advantage in the globalized job market. Beyond fluency in French, they develop exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, honed through extensive reading, analysis, and discussion of complex texts.
Translator/Interpreter: Converts written (translator) or spoken (interpreter) content between French and English for various sectors, including government, healthcare, legal, and business, ensuring accurate and culturally appropriate communication.
International Business Professional: Works in multinational corporations, import/export companies, or global sales/marketing roles, leveraging French fluency and cultural understanding to facilitate negotiations, partnerships, and market expansion in Francophone regions.
French Language Teacher/Educator: Teaches French language and culture in K-12 schools (often requiring a teaching credential), private language institutes, or at the university level (requiring further graduate study), fostering linguistic proficiency and cultural appreciation.
Foreign Service Officer/Diplomat: Represents their home country's interests abroad in French-speaking nations, working in embassies or consulates to manage diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations. (Highly competitive, typically requires further exams/graduate study).
International Development/Non-profit Worker: Contributes to humanitarian aid, sustainable development, or social justice initiatives in Francophone countries or organizations with a global focus, utilizing language skills for communication and program implementation.
Tourism and Hospitality Professional: Works in roles such as tour guide, hotel management, or international airline services, enhancing the experience for French-speaking visitors and promoting cultural exchange.
Journalist/Foreign Correspondent: Reports on international news, current events, and cultural affairs for media outlets, often specializing in Francophone regions, requiring strong research, writing, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Cultural Program Coordinator: Designs and oversees events and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and celebrate the arts, often for cultural centers, museums, or educational institutions with international programs.
Librarian/Archivist (with a focus on French/Francophone collections): Manages and preserves collections of French language materials, historical documents, or cultural artifacts for academic institutions, public libraries, or specialized archives. (Often requires a Master's in Library and Information Science).
Government Analyst/Intelligence Officer: Works for government agencies (e.g., CIA, NSA, State Department) requiring language proficiency to analyze international political, economic, or security information related to French-speaking countries.
